San Bruno Pipeline Explosion Rescue Effort Only 75% Complete

September 13, 2010
By
Caputo & Van Der Walde LLP

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The number of victims injured by a recent natural gas line tragedy that
wreaked havoc on a San Bruno neighborhood is growing, according to a
San Francisco Chronicle news article. The pipeline ruptured on September 9, 2010 at around 6:30
in the evening. The company responsible for the pipeline, Pacific Gas
and Electric Co., has not yet determined what exactly caused the pipe
to explode, which resulted in a total of 38 homes being destroyed, as
many as seven more homes being significantly damaged, and many others
sustaining varying degrees of damage. More significant, however, are the
four lives that have been confirmed lost as a result of the San Bruno
gas explosion accident.

While no one is reported to be missing at this time, rescue crews and emergency
response teams have only searched about 75% of the homes affected by the
explosion. At this point in the rescue effort, a total of 52 people have
been injured as a result of the pipeline explosion. Reportedly, many victims
suffered smoke inhalation and burn injuries, with at least three people
sustaining third-degree burns. Many individuals injured were taken to
St. Francis Memorial Hospital in San Francisco for treatment, and their
conditions are unknown at this time.

Only time will tell whether or not this tragic pipeline explosion could
have been prevented. Companies in charge of public utilities have an obligation
to take all necessary safety precautions against accidents, such as the
San Bruno explosion, from taking place. In the event that a company is
determined to have neglected its responsibility to ensure safety, that
company may be held liable for its actions if it is deemed negligent,
and may be held accountable for its role in causing injuries to victims
associated with the accident.

As rescue efforts continue and clues as to the exact cause of the explosion
incident are uncovered, the San Jose personal injury attorneys at Caputo
& Van Der Walde LLP will stay on top of all new developments. For
more information about victims’ rights, please contact us today
at (800) 900-0863. Our condolences go out to the families and all others
affected by this horrendous tragedy.

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